Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then this Chicken Marsala recipe, inspired by the culinary queen Giada De Laurentiis, is your answer! This dish is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers an explosion of rich, savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. It's the perfect blend of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes, a true champion in the world of healthy meals and homemade cooking. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields 4 servings.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan and Simmer the Sauce
Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Chicken Marsala immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Use good quality Marsala: The wine is a key ingredient, so choose a dry Marsala for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Variations:
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to the sauce.
- Use different mushrooms: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms can be used instead of cremini.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some spinach or asparagus with the mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chicken Marsala recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!